The arms race (2007-2011) is firmly centered in Asia, with India being the world’s largest recipient of arms, followed by South Korea and Pakistan and China tied at third place, revealed the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in a new study on international arms transfers.
India accounts for 10% of global arms imports; South Korea 6%; Pakistan 5%; China 5% and Singapore 4%. China was the largest recipient of arms exports from 2002-06, but it fell to fourth place in 2007-11.
According to a report by IANS, the data uncovered that Asia and Oceania account for 44% of global arms imports, followed by Europe 19%; the Middle East 17% and the Americas at 11%. Africa was the lowest with 9%.
The volume of worldwide arms transfers in 2007-11 was 24% higher than in 2002-06 and the five largest arms importers in 2007-11 were all Asian states.
Between 2002-06 and 2007-11, the volume of Chinese arms exports increased by 95 percent and now China ranks as the sixth largest supplier of arms in the world.
COMMENTS (87)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Continued arms race between the two sub-continent means that millions of people in India and Pakistan will starve, several thousands of them would die of non-availability of medicine, several soldiers would die because of exchange of firing on the border and millions of unknown children would remain uneducated. On the other hand children of our leaders would continue to study in Oxford as they will have to takeover the helms of the affairs of their respective countries. Can any one of us answer that When our states would become welfare states? When we will get education without any charges? When a motorcycle struggler would go to sleep without any tension? When our media would stop glorifying their news items based on haterd? When a person pursuing PhD would be supported by the Government?
@Indian: @Truth Seeker: The Indian trolls that visit these pages live in their own little world, as illustrated by their petty comments. They live in a constant state of denial. Denial that the Kashmiris hate Indians and dont want to be a part of India. Denial that India has the largest number of secessionist movements in the world (Nagaland, Kashmir, Tripura, Mizoram, Khalistan to name a few). Denial that 700 Million live in abject poverty. Denial that rampant corruption and an antiquated caste system will never allow the country to progress. Denial that the wholesale adoption of the capitalist model will eventually lead to a break up of the country into little pieces. Denial that their dream of competing with China is a fantasy.
Lastly, as we are talking of defence expenditure, denial that Pakistan has developed a superior nuclear missile system, that can hit every single city in India- while India's own missiles are better known for disentegrating in mid-air and falling into The Bay of Bengal- money well spent indeed!
@Truth Seeker: "Indians are some special kind of human bread" Apparently Pakistanis are a some special 'breed' (not 'bread') supposedly of 'Arab' descent and that was the reason (atleast that is what they claim!) to form Pakistan.... So you know what 'breed' you belong to..
The other day I read 600 million indians don't have bathrooms and they take dumps outside, that's double the population of United States, and look where the money is going, lol
@Lion Heart: you just stole the words off my mouth bro. how good it would be if we (both Pakistanis and Indians) started thinking like this.
@Truth Seeker: "As I said a few weeks back in some another article in ET that Indians are some special kind of human bread with whom reasoning, logic and facts don’t work" Logic is apparently not taught in Madrasas. Visit IITs, IIMs in India... We are ready to teach few math and Science lessons for free....
@Indian: “Put it that way. Is a fair solution of Kashmir – which your PM Pundit Nehru repeatedly pledged to the Kashmiri people and to the world – instead of keeping them at gun point is more important than the economic betterment of over a billion poor Indians and lasting peace in the region.???” "gunpoint – The baluchis know better poor Indians – Are getting richer by the day… lasting peace in the region – Coming from someone whose country imposed unnecessary 4 wars on India, that is not to be taken too seriously…"
And you really expect some answers. Don't you. As I said a few weeks back in some another article in ET that Indians are some special kind of human bread with whom reasoning, logic and facts don't work. And you proved that again.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/south-asia-to-gain-when-pakistan-frees-trade-with-india-chamber-head/articleshow/12352188.cms
Getting sick of ususal comments on expected lines from each side . My request to both sides of the border , Grow up . Just demeaning each other may pamper self ego but do little to enhance self development . regards to all
military expenditure is the bigest menace and threat to world peace.....
@Truth Seeker: "instead of keeping them at gun point is more important than the economic betterment of over a billion poor Indians and lasting peace in the region.???" gunpoint - The baluchis know better poor Indians - Are getting richer by the day... lasting peace in the region - Coming from someone whose country imposed unnecessary 4 wars on India, that is not to be taken too seriously...
@Zeta:
pls, stop insulting we poor Indians sir. deep inside, we know that we are the poorest country in the world and theres no more hope for us. i know you can forgive us because of your extra large heart..
Indian poverty rising- link
@Indian: "Is Kashmir more important than the economic betterment of over a 17 crore poor Pakistanis and lasting peace in the region.???"
Put it that way. Is a fair solution of Kashmir - which your PM Pundit Nehru repeatedly pledged to the Kashmiri people and to the world - instead of keeping them at gun point is more important than the economic betterment of over a billion poor Indians and lasting peace in the region.???
@Indian: "Find a sincere answer to this question.... "
Find a sincere answer to this question - if Kashmir is part of India, as you claim, can you buy any property there. Just study the Article 370 of your constitution before you start bragging.*
@Zeta: We know Pakistanis just use the living room to relieve themselves
@Truth Seeker: "What a mockery of facts. Kashmir was not even part of India till 1948 when India militarily occupied it." Find a sincere answer to this question - When did Pakistan come into existence and when was the first time the name 'Pakistan' ever used?
@Truth Seeker: "Is Kashmir more important than the economic betterment of over a billion poor Indians and lasting peace in the region.???" Is Kashmir more important than the economic betterment of over a 17 crore poor Pakistanis and lasting peace in the region.???
India is not recipient, India is a buyer - no one is giving us free, so please correct it to largest buyer...also India's defense budget share on our GDP is very less compared to many countries, and it's fully justified because of our long boarder and coastal area to be protected...
@G. Din: "In fact they would lose that piece of Kashmir that, as Indians, belongs to them."
What a mockery of facts. Kashmir was not even part of India till 1948 when India militarily occupied it.
This is chor maange more! The politicians get commissions and the western salesmen make money and the people suffer!
@Truth Seeker: "Is Kashmir more important than the economic betterment of over a billion poor Indians and lasting peace in the region.???" Handing over Kashmir to Pakistan would not make them suddenly rich either. In fact they would lose that piece of Kashmir that, as Indians, belongs to them. But, who knows, losing East Pakistan must have made poor Pakistanis suddenly rich. In that case they must be waiting for the day Pakistan loses another chunk (Blochistan). Go ahead, make their day! Be good to your poor and starved, lose it!
@Truth Seeker:
dont wanna get into an argument with u...switzerland is backed by the whole european union....n m sure u know what a UNION means
@unbeliever: "do not say that they were not perpetrated by pakistanis because pak based terror groups themselves claimed the responsiblity for these attacks"
No Pakistani organization ever claimed responsibility for these attacks - a blatant lie at the least. And we know who, the unholy alliance, is behind the TTP responsible for killing 35,000 innocent Pakistanis.
@Indian: "If china,India and pakistan were at peace with each other ,just imagine how much amount spend on defence would be saved and used for the common people and ALL THE WESTERN ARMS MANUFACTURES WOULD BE BANKRUPT. Is kashmir more important than economic development in pakistan.???"
Is Kashmir more important than the economic betterment of over a billion poor Indians and lasting peace in the region.???
@harish: "The history of india clearly shows that becoming rich without being strong is meaningless, sooner or later someone will invade."
Start living in the present, not in history. By the way, Switzerland must be very poor for not being invaded yet.
If china,India and pakistan were at peace with each other ,just imagine how much amount spend on defence would be saved and used for the common people and ALL THE WESTERN ARMS MANUFACTURES WOULD BE BANKRUPT. Is kashmir more important than economic development in pakistan.???
Yes! Pakistan and India have every right to equip themselves with military hardwares as a deterrent.Having said that I still feel that these dollars spent on such equipment could be better used.After all these equipment will become obsolete in ten years and the quest will continue till eternity.The alternative for people of India and Pakistan is to tell their govts that enough is enough.We want to live in peace as good neighbours.Accelerate the pace of education ,health and overall well being of masses. Stable and prosperous India is in the interest of Pakistan and VICE VERSA. Please make a beginning on this site and stop the blame game.Let us treat each other with love respect and with dignity.
I am surprised that such a well-reputed organization does not make the most BASIC adjustment to their data before drawing inferences from them and ranking countries!
How can we compare these countries when they are so widely different in terms of size?! What would be the picture if these arms were scaled with GDP? China is the world's second-biggest economy and India is seven times larger than Pakistan in terms of GDP.
Everything is relative. There are no absolutes and certainly none that make sense unless you scale them with some denominator -- typically GDP.
although mumbai mayhem gets a lot of mention, yet the casualities in these undermentioned attacks is no less. the difference this attack had from the previous one was the audacity and cruelty that was at display when kasab and company opened fire on innocent people
25 August 2003 - Two Bombs go off in cars near the Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar, killing 50 11 July 2006 - Series of seven bombs go off in trains, killing 209 26 November 2008 to 29 November 2008 - Coordinated series of attacks, killing at least 172. 13 July 2011 - Three coordinated bomb explosions at different locations, killing 26.
do not say that they were not perpetrated by pakistanis because pak based terror groups themselves claimed the responsiblity for these attacks
@Zeta: You finally acknowledge that Kasabs are from your country.Have you ditched your conspiracy theory that 26/11 was carried out by India
@Zeta: So Kasab of 26/11 has been sent by Pakistan. Please, please confirm it.
@Zeta:
Shame on you for bragging about a mass murderer who butchered 160 innocent men women and children.
@Adnan: feel good about that after loosing what 4 wars in less than 30 years...apart from loosing half nation huh
@Zeta: And your nation does not have a billion dollars runs for next months...US has to throw in your bowl that cash to survive....now you talk of India...
@Pakistan politics: Peace with a islamic radical country??? Only a fool will think so. Even China knows about your nation...only they talk backdoors. Just last week a chinese woman was .....
Great. Unlike the rest of the countries at top, we have an economy in tatters; and we're the 3rd largest importer of arms. If this report is accurate, then its absurd; no wonder the country cant move forward. As for our defence needs, we're quite unable to beat India, so we shouldnt have any illusions there. Heck, our forces cant even stop US choppers from reaching Abbottabad.
@India: good one
@Nand: Indians are known to see business opportunities. They have just been granted MFN. This is going to be one of our biggest export to a starved and bankrupt energy consumer. Any guesses who?
I'm sure your gonna need that more seeing ever increasing population having no food, no clean water, no place to "relieve". Thats gonna be your only business. If you need help in population, we will be glad to send more Kasabs your way.
Singapore 4%
Now THAT is news! Wonder why they need all the weaponry!
@usmanx: Do the research again and you will find that you are reversing the facts.. At this point in time, India is growing more than 7% with a geography approximately 4 times of Pakistan and say 5 times the population and spending only twice as much on arms import. Now just take a guess who is spending more money per unit on defense?
@Falcon: "Really sad. Certainly shows that Pakistan and India both need a reality check. On the bright side it shows that we share the same DNA." but your DNA has been changed due to Islam.Islam has capacity to change DNA
@Pakistan politics: With neighbors like you, India has no hope for peace. That's exactly you wanted right ??
@Mirza: "Sad to see arms race between two poor countries. " Weep for your country. We can afford it!
It's estimated that India might spend more than $100 billion on weapons and systems in the next 15 years. That China is now world's sixth largest world exporter of weapons behind the US, Russia, Germany, France and UK. is largely a result of Pakistan importing more arms from China. India's military spending is still low compared to China's. In four years Beijing could exceed the rest of Asia combined, leaving Japan and India far behind.
@Indian: Haha... clever answer.
But seriously, lets be spendin' money down more productive avenues.
i dont understand one thing...what do toilets have to do with arms buying??....most of the arms are bought with Transfer of Technology (ToT) conditions and are manufactured locally under licence
result??....thousands of jobs created without compromising security of the country
as far as arms race is concerned....pakistan is a sovereign countryand has its own decisions to make....USA is heavily armed...does that mean its doing that JUST to suppress mexico or afghanistan or iran??....NO...its building its own arsenal to remain powerful...now its china's wish whether to compete it or not....same thing with india and pakistan...india has already been invaded quite a lot of times by both its neighbours and is building up its own security so WHAT THE HELL IS THE PROBLEM??
so much for peace??....YES....having 10 knives in ur kitchen doesnt mean ur going to murder ur neighbour
now as far as toilets, poverty etc etc is coming to scene....its like....How can u own a car when u stay in a rented house??....how can u work in an air conditioned office when there are so many people who dont have toilets??....grow up guys
india expand 4.1% of total GDP and pakistan expand only 1.8% in education .and see huge gap between india and pakistan in litteracy rate
India is 4th largest economy, south Korea ia a developed , rich nation. The question is who can afford this ? Remember, soviet union ruined itself and it's economy trying to keep up with the west militarily. Any parallels ?
@Zeta: 'Just imagine 700 million indians (more than entire population of America Canada and europe) defecating openly on roads'
Indians are known to see business opportunities. They have just been granted MFN. This is going to be one of our biggest export to a starved and bankrupt energy consumer. Any guesses who?
@Indian: It is beyond Pakistan Politics comprehensive.
@Pakistan politics: I do not see your mantra saying that this money should have helped the poor Pakistanis. Change of heart or the basic back stabbing?
@unbeliever: well thats funny you come up with something not related to defend the utter miserable condition of 70% indian population. While men women and children here may drop dead because barbarity of american drones. What about the alarming number of people in india dropping dead due to malnutrition, lack of food, clean water, violence, growing suicides.
on other hands, likes of you who come out here on Pakistani site to vent out your anger and frustration and remedy to put away desperation.
@Zeta: You have nothing new to say - your long-running obsession with Indian toilet hygiene is rather funny (and rather sad). You can put any spin on this article - but the fact is that Pakistan is the only country which cannot afford to be on this list. Further, ET has been kind enough to make it a list of arms recipients, although all the other countries have bought the equipment with their own money.
@usmanx: no no inidan r/rich,wake up 85% of indian r/poor ,and 75% pakistani .BOLLYWOOD DREAM ,
@Zeta: defecation is all about being feeling relieved.
most of these 700 million people live in villages and they have fields, they defecate there knowing full well that no AMERICAN DRONE, could drop bomb on them.
can i say the same about your compatriots, who though relieve themselves in seclusion but may drop dead in toilet itself in comfort of their home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think if instead of this arms race this money would have been spent on the poor people of the countries of the both sides things would have been much better.
well if india has started an arms race in asia ...why can't pakistan STOP the arms race by accepting indian hegemony...... for the sake of what it calls humanity...? I,m pretty sure we would make good allies together then.....
@Rebel I didn't compare with pakistan with west europe, you don't need to bring that. Poorest of poor People here aren't in conditions like the masses in India. living in fantasy world, indians are completely ignorant about it and only celebrates on having some millionaires as if they are chachay mamay of 1.2 billion indians
Just imagine 700 million indians (more than entire population of America Canada and europe) defecating openly on roads
all commentators should know that this procurement is not aimed at pakistan, and india spends only a third on defence as % of gdp compared to china. India dosent give two hoots about pakistan, but everyone here is sooo concerned about india- pakistan arms race.
The history of india clearly shows that becoming rich without being strong is meaningless, sooner or later someone will invade.So yes, we will uplift our poor people's lives. but we wont neglect our military preparedness.
@Lionheart, thank you for saying all that needed to be said. This is a matter of great shame for us.
Hardly surprising given that Pakistan has to defend itself while its neighbour arms itself to the teeth. India claims it has to defend itself against China but the arms have never been used against China- only Pakistan.
The only time the arms were 'used' by India against China was during the 1962 border war when Indian soldiers fled advancing Chinese troops, leaving their boots behind!
Dear people of India and Pakistan,
It should be a matter of shame for all of us when we spend billions on latest jets from France and nuclear submarines from Russia, when we have millions struggling for 3 meals a day.
There is no point in getting into petty quarrels and bickering over which is a better country. We all know we are both 3rd World countries and shall continue to be looked down on by the rest of the world as 2 poor countries which despite having a rich cultural background have a population and the leadership so stupid that they still cannot learn to get along with each other.
The Military generals on both sides shall always raise hysteria about dangers from the neighbor and get their budget up-sized. The politician just doesn't care and never will for the genuine good of the people. Its up to we the people of the 2 countries to tell our leaders to keep good relations with the neighbors so we don't keep on doing this year after year. And for that to happen we the people need to first give up hatred and start behaving decently with each other.
I know i may be talking of a distant dream (...after all i am from Mumbai). But i hope there comes a day and we learn to live if not as friends then as responsible neighbors with mutual respect rather than Mutual dislike.
Please bring the picture of a hungry child begging for food the next time you thump your chest for possessing a 100 million dollar jet imported from Europe. Its not an achievement.
@Zeta: It goes both ways.Pakistan is not exactly in western Europe.
so much for the peace eh! 700 million indian people dont have toilets but who cares they need weapons
they even made nuclear weapons before Pakistan and still we are preached by the world as if we are obsessed for having a war with india.
@Dionysus: dont u think it affected every region, u seems to be ignorant of IR
Nine percent and more for China with love and rest with best wishes for our long lost brother.
Really sad. Certainly shows that Pakistan and India both need a reality check. On the bright side it shows that we share the same DNA.
Mirza, nah baba nah.. don't call India poor. You will invite an avalanche!
Funny thing is that, the other countries are improving economically.
Sad to see arms race between two poor countries.
@Pakistan politics
US has the biggest military in the world. Has this affected North America's peace and stability?
Some things hidden in this story
Pakistan does a lot of procurement from China, at throwaway prices. So lower spend than India does not really mean lesser procurement than India
However Pakistan has a much higher percentage of procurement as a % of its foriegn trade. India is much lesser.
Pakistan bled India through proxy war in kashmir. Looks like India is returning the favour forcing it into a procurement race. Both will be losers - as Dickens said "in war there are no winners or losers, only greater and lesser losers".
That should be actually quite depressing for the millions of poors in these countries.
@Pakistan politics: "It tells very precisely that India wants peace and stability in the region???" 5% on the left (Pakistan) + 5% on the right (China) = 10% in the middle (India). There you have the equality and therefore the peace....
On the bright side -- since Pakistan is borderline bankrupt and it's relationship with American is on the rocks - it should quickly fall off that list. Other than America Pakistan doesn't have a relationship with a country that will provide it weapons for free.
All the kings horses and all the kings men could not ...
I am sure the "War on Terror" imposed on Pakistan has a lot to do with Pakistans needs for armaments.
It tells very precisely that India wants peace and stability in the region???
look at the power of all weather friendship!! both pakistan and china are at the same spot.